10 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is a growing industry that allows nurses to work in different locations and gain valuable experience working in different environments. Nurses who have completed travel assignments often express high satisfaction with their experiences, citing benefits such as flexibility, travel opportunities, and professional development. 

However, travel nursing can also be difficult for some nurses. It requires making decisions quickly, adapting to new surroundings, and sometimes experiencing long periods away from home. You must know the pros and cons of travel nursing before deciding whether or not to pursue this career path. Below are the benefits of being a travel nurse:

Pro: Different Locations 

Travel nursing allows nurses to experience different locations and cultures. Some travel assignments are only for a few months, allowing you to explore the area while earning money. You may also work in places you would not otherwise consider.

Pro: Great Pay 

Travel nurse pay is typically higher than staff nurse pay because they frequently accept assignments in hard-to-fill specialties. They earn more than their counterparts. The skills they acquire are often in high demand, and many employers are ready to pay more. You may also be eligible for overtime pay if you take extra shifts at any point during your assignment.

Pro: New Experiences 

Travel nurses often experience new places, cultures, and people. This can be an exciting opportunity for those who want to explore the world while earning money. The work is interesting, and you’ll often be helping patients recover from surgery or illness. 

Pro: Build Your Resume/CV

Getting certified in nursing while working as a travel nurse will also help you land better jobs. You may even become a permanent employee at your assigned facility. If so, it might be easier for them to hire you than it would have been if you weren’t already familiar with the hospital.

Pro: Meeting People From All Over The World 

The best part about being a travel nurse is the people you meet. You can make lifelong friends with other travelers, and they’ll be there to support you when things get tough.

Here are the disadvantages of being a travel nurse:

Con: Homesickness

Since you travel more often, it can be tough to make friends repeatedly. It can make you lonely, especially if you have no one to share the experience with. It’s easy to feel homesick, especially if you’re far away from friends and family. It’s hard to be apart for long periods, which can jeopardize your relationships.

Con: Time management

Traveling can be challenging, especially if you manage your time between work and side projects. You might feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day.

Con: Limited Benefits

Some travel nursing jobs offer no benefits. You won't always have health insurance while traveling. Since they are constantly moving, they can’t settle down and make one place home.

Con: Managing a Budget

Being a travel nurse, you need to manage your money well while on the job. They should also set aside a savings account if something goes wrong or they need extra funds.

Con: Getting Lost in the Shuffle at Hospitals

Travel Nurses can get lost in the hospital shuffle, as they aren’t part of a permanent staff. They may not feel they have a say in how things run and may not get the same recognition as permanent employees.

Wrapping Up!

Travel nursing is a great way to get the experience and training you need to become a full-time nurse, but it can be daunting. If you think travel nursing is right for you, look at jobs now and set yourself up for success.